Bengaluru, February 4: The Karnataka Assembly has passed a resolution condemning the central government’s initiative to implement the “VB Giramji Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Act.” The resolution calls for the restoration of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to its original form. This decision was made amidst strong opposition from members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (Secular).
The BJP has claimed that passing a resolution against the VB Giramji Act within the Assembly is illegal. Opposition members staged a walkout in protest against the resolution. Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader and Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti conducted the voting on the resolution, which was declared accepted by the respective houses, with the Congress government in favor.
Following the passage of the resolution, proceedings in both houses were adjourned. During the Assembly session, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge stated that senior BJP leader L.K. Advani had praised the MGNREGA scheme. He questioned the actual content of the new VB Giramji Act, suggesting that even BJP leaders lacked complete information about it.
BJP MP Varun Gandhi had previously raised concerns in the Lok Sabha regarding the lives of workers, to which the central government responded that the system is transparent. However, Minister Kharge accused the central government of altering the MGNREGA Act itself.
Opposition leader R. Ashok told the media that the VB Giramji Act is transparent, and the opposition is protesting because Congress agents are finding it difficult to engage in illegal activities under it. He asserted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s decision violated rules, and the resolution should not have been passed in the Assembly without a prior notice and discussion.
Ashok highlighted that a survey by the Rural Development Department revealed significant misuse of funds under the employment guarantee scheme, amounting to ₹16,019 crores in 31,624 cases for 2023-24, ₹50.23 crores in 20,742 cases for 2024-25, and ₹18.13 crores for 2025-26. He accused the Congress of embezzling funds through favoritism and fake bills.
He further criticized the central government for not undertaking any work independently, stating that all initiatives are carried out through the Rural Development Department. The Congress government is reportedly hesitant to contribute its 40% share due to a lack of funds.
The MGNREGA scheme, which has been in place for 20 years, has now been renamed under a new budget plan that includes Mahatma Gandhi’s name. However, Ashok pointed out that the Congress has already named over 400 schemes and institutions after the Nehru family.
Previously, the employment guarantee provided 100 days of work, which has now been increased to 125 days, offering an additional 25 days of employment. Extensive discussions were held with all states regarding the new scheme, and technical workshops and multilateral meetings were conducted. The Congress did not oppose it at that time but is now doing so for political reasons.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized that discussions with states should have occurred before implementing the act and presenting the 60:40 financial ratio. He also stated, “Mahatma Gandhi’s name should not be removed or insulted again. This appeal will be sent to the central government and the President.”